Hoffenheim can press high and turn a central regain or second ball into a quick attack. Leverkusen can use Garcia and Maza to play through that first pressure before releasing runners wide. Hoffenheim have also conceded repeated chances when their advanced shape is bypassed. The match should turn on whether the first press ends the move or creates space for the next pass.
Prass and Avdullahu will work for Hoffenheim's second balls, with Coufal's long throws another way to reach Kramaric. Maza's movement, Schick's finishing and Diaby or Moreira out wide give Leverkusen several ways to answer. Hoffenheim's listed absentees missed Lyon, while Conte played there and is now doubtful; Leverkusen's current missing group also missed OFI, where Maza and Schick had managed minutes. Leverkusen's attack has already recovered from a Bundesliga deficit through Maza and Schick, and its varied exits can exploit Hoffenheim's high shape. I'm siding with Bayer Leverkusen to win.
